Overall, the book is a helpful introduction for design enthusiasts of both modern and traditional leanings who are looking for a clear overview of many commonly found decor classics. My favorite section of the book is one called "guide to classic shapes" devoted to various furniture items: sofas, chairs, storage units, etc. from the 18th century to the present. Each furniture icon is given a brief description which includes its history, uses, maker, and any other notable details.
While some of the homes featured in the book are a little stuffy for my liking, there are plenty of helpful ideas on every page especially when it comes to mixing styles. Each featured home is given a title: "romantic modern", "comfortable fusion," etc. that describes the type of style mix. My favorite the "modern country," home of Richard Martino in Sagaponack, New York (pictures 2, 3). Warm whites and laid back slipcovered furniture mix seamlessly with classic Eames chairs and modern farm style architecture for a delicious design experience. This home in particular spoke to me because I am currently wrestling with how to reconcile my love for clean modern lines and classic comfort in our own home. I've looked through a thousand design sites, magazines, and books for inspiration without much luck, However, thanks to the BHG team, I've found my muse...I guess that just goes to show that it pays to put aside your prejudices once in awhile.
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(Images: Better Homes and Gardens' New Classic Style)
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
People used to make fun of me for being a BHG fan. But they were showing some things long before the trends were picked up by folks here on AT.
Lime green kitchen, circa 2002, on BHG:
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/colors/simply-perfect-color-schemes/?page=7
How do I know it's from 2002? I have the magazine FROM 2002 that featured that kitchen and the rest of the things from that slide show.
Larger image here:
http://decoratinggallery.bhg.com/RoomDetail.aspx?RIID=db67e910-7c55-4cc8-9fa8-de9683ddedaa&RoomTypeID=0a3bebe9-0f47-417e-b50e-bce655d0e1b5&IID=93bb976d-25f0-41b9-aef1-caaaf27bfdf8
Lots of ideas waiting to be found.
Pop Quiz!
Name those chairs!
http://www.bhg.com/decorating/color/colors/colors-for-decorating-a-home-with-black/?page=7
Thanks, Leah, for mentioning my old stomping grounds. I pop in there every now and then, with ideas. And yes, I do cross-link. Send people over here from there. And send people from here over there.
I feel that people can never have too many ideas to choose from, see too many pictures. A color combination might hit the spot for many people, and the colors can be used with any type of decor or style. It helps to see it put into practice.
Lines are blurring and those walls are dropping. People are looking at other styles. Combining elements successfully. And creating a new style by combining elements of two different styles, as we have seen already. Modern upholstery on a traditional style, for instance.
Same thing with eras. Sure, an image may instantly date a color combination to an era, but there are good IDEAS within a specific picture, that are easily updated.
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This book was one of the first ever decor books I looked at. My mom bought it via one of her "too good to pass up" deals from somewhere and I took it when I bought my first house. I was so excited when I went to a local shop in Norfolk VA and recognized the owner as someone featured in the book, Ronn Ives of http://www.futuresantiques.com.
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